What is a PLCC Socket?

PLCC Socket Description

Plastic leaded chip carriers (PLCC) sockets are a type of chip carrier used to form connections between integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

PLCC sockets typically have a rectangular plastic housing with connections along all four edges of the rectangle. To form secure connections PLCC sockets utilize J-leads which derive their name from fact that the leads are bent under and around the plastic housing. During installation PLCC sockets are soldered to the PCB and then the chip is inserted into the PLCC socket. Chips can be exchanged or removed using a specialized tool called a PLCC extractor.

PLCC Socket Configurations

All PLCC sockets meet JEDEC industry standards MO-047 or MO-052 which define lead spacing and sizing. Nonetheless, there are several configuration options for PLCC sockets. Perhaps most significant is the mounting style. PLCC sockets are available in both surface mount (SMT) and through hole (THT) configurations. As the name implies SMT PLCC sockets are mounted directly on the surface of the PCB. In contrast, THT PLCC sockets are mounted by inserting leads in pre-drilled holes on the PCB and soldering them to the opposite side.

Top PLCC Socket Manufacturers

3M

Adam Tech

Amphenol FCI

Mill-Max

Samtec

TE Connectivity

Learn More About PLCC Sockets

Manufacturers such as Mill-Max and Adam Tech offer catalogs that provide an array of technical information to help users configure PLCC sockets for their applications. In addition to general manufacturer documentation, bisco industries offers a team of product specialists to answer any questions about PLCC sockets you may have. Click here to contact a bisco product specialist.